Role of Placenta Accreta Index for Diagnosis of Placenta Accreta Spectrum in High-Risk Patients

Sugandha Bansal1, Jyotsna Suri1, S K Bajaj2

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, 110029 India.

Insights

The placenta accreta index (PAI) effectively screens high-risk pregnancies for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). A PAI score of 4.75 or higher strongly suggests PAS, aiding in timely diagnosis and management.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is crucial for multidisciplinary management and reducing maternal/fetal complications.
  • A standardized scoring system is needed for accurate PAS diagnosis and management.
  • The placenta accreta index (PAI) aims to provide such a standardized criterion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy of the placenta accreta index (PAI) and its individual parameters in diagnosing PAS.
  • To evaluate PAI's diagnostic performance in high-risk pregnant patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 71 pregnant women with placenta previa and prior cesarean sections.
  • Ultrasonography was used to calculate the PAI for each participant.
  • Definitive diagnosis was confirmed intraoperatively or via histopathology.

Main Results:

  • All ultrasound parameters of the PAI were statistically significant in predicting PAS (p < 0.001).
  • The optimal cutoff value for diagnosing PAS was determined to be 4.75, with an AUC of 0.87.
  • The PAI demonstrated a sensitivity of 73.3%, specificity of 95.1%, and diagnostic accuracy of 85.9%.

Conclusions:

  • Pregnant women with placenta previa and a history of cesarean section should be screened using the PAI.
  • A PAI score of ≥ 4.75 warrants a high index of suspicion for PAS, facilitating prompt clinical intervention.
Abstract